He asks Charlotte about the book.

Instead of offering his name, or lying to Lady Marlton, Randy decided to ignore her question and counter with one of his own.

"Have you ever seen this book?" Randy asked Charlotte as he picked it up and brushed some sand off the red leather binding. He watched her carefully looking for any sign of recognition but all he saw was puzzled curiosity.

"What is it?"

"Poetry" Randy told her as he placed the small volume in her hand "Shakespeare's Sonnets, have you seen it before?" He asked again trying to sound casual but eager to learn who Mary's 'Jack' might be. In the distance a horn sounded signaling the return of the hunt.

"I'm sorry, perhaps my father would know." Charlotte could sense the strange gentleman's emotion as he asked about the book. Not wanting to disappoint him she continued boldly. "Will you join us for dinner? I'm sure he'd want to thank you for your kindness."

Randy laughed out loud when he heard Charlotte's invitation. He could only imagine Lord Marlton would react if Randy Fuller showed up at his mansion for dinner and drinks.

"No Lady Marlton, your father and I are already acquainted. He would not take kindly if I accepted your generous invitation." Again the horn sounded, this time noticeably closer. "By your leave, my lady." Randy gave her the slightest bow and stepped back towards the safety of the forest.

"Wait!" He was leaving! Charlotte felt an unexpected panic. He was leaving and she didn't even know who he was or if she'd ever see him again. "Your book!"

"Keep it for now." Randy told her. "Do you know the ruins of the old Papist chapel East of your estate?"

"Saint Theresa's" Charlotte knew it well, the roof had long ago collapsed, only the four rose covered walls remained and the chapel floor was now covered in soft moss. As a teen Charlotte liked to imagine that the chapel had been built by Celtic Druids, not her Norman ancestors one thousand years after the last of the forest priests wandered these woods.

"Yes, I know it." Charlotte answered slowly slightly confused by the sudden change in topic.

"Good, I'll be there most afternoons this week. Bring it to me when you get a chance." With that he was gone, into the thick foliage and out of sight leaving Charlotte standing in her stockings by the brook.